Why Do People Like Running? It’s All In Your Head

When I was a fat man I did not understand why people tortured themselves with running.

All joggers seemed to be angry, overly serious idiots who seemingly looked down on me. I did not want to be like them. Hell, I could not be like them even if I tried. It was if they were from a completely different planet to me.

Even when I started exercise by running in the gym I couldn’t see the appeal of it. I was running out of necessity rather than preference. It was only when I entered my first marathon that I began to enjoy the whole running process.

I had to train 4 or 5 times a week for that first marathon and after the 3rd week I was starting to finish my training runs stronger. I felt like I could continue on for several miles after each run. This was really fucking empowering and it made me persist through the shittier runs as I had faith that running would become easier and therefore more enjoyable.

And it continues to get better for me.

I like running as it allows me to explore new places. I can meet new people by running half marathons. I can run off any anger or sorrow I may be feeling.

Most importantly for the first time in my adult life I actually feel in control of my body. I spent so many years hopelessly overweight and I never thought I would be able to maintain a healthy weight. I’ve now maintained an 80lb weight loss for 3 years thanks to running.

When I jog I don’t go out to cause myself an injury. I do it for some time alone. I do it for a new sense of perspective on my life. I do it because sometimes it’s fun, if I manage to catch the elusive runner’s high.

If like me, you can’t understand the appeal of running, give it a try and run at a comfortable pace. If you want to make a lifestyle change you need to be consistent and to be consistent you have to actually enjoy what you’re doing.